Sweet 16 action concluded in the 2025 NCAA volleyball tournament with four games Friday.

No. 1 seed Texas kicked off the day by sweeping Indiana. No. 1 overall seed Nebraska ended the night with a sweep of Kansas. Wisconsin took down Stanford and Texas A&M shocked Louisville with a comeback win.

No. 1 Kentucky and No. 1 Pittsburgh punched their tickets to the Elite Eight on Thursday. The Wildcats ended Cal Poly’s Cinderella story in straight sets, while Pittsburgh brought out the brooms against Minnesota.

Next up, Kentucky takes on No. 3 Creighton at 5 p.m. ET Saturday, followed by Pittsburgh vs. No. 3 Purdue. Sunday, Nebraska and No. 3 Texas A&M fight for a trip to the semifinals, along with Texas and No. 3 Wisconsin.

USA TODAY gives you everything you need to know about Friday’s matches and highlights:

SWEET 16 NCAA VOLLEYBALL RECAP: Kentucky, Pittsburgh sweep way to Elite Eight

FINAL SCORE: Nebraska 3, Kansas 0

The Huskers have now won 29 straight NCAA tournament matches at home. Andi Jackson (nine kills on .600 hitting) and Rebekah Allick (nine kills on 1.000 hitting) combined for 18 kills with no errors. Nebraska hit .450 collectively, while holding Kansas to .029 hitting.

Set 3: Nebraska 25, Kansas 12

Nebraska sweeps Kansas to advance to the Elite Eight on Sunday, where they will face Texas A&M.

Nebraska was in the driver’s seat once again and was the first team to reach 15 points in the third set, leading 15-8. The Huskers were hitting .762 at that point, compared to Kansas’ .353.

Set 2: Nebraska 25, Kansas 11

No. 1 Nebraska went on a 5-0 run to claim the second set, 25-11. The Huskers have been dominant on both sides of the ball, recording 22 kills and 17 total blocks through the first two sets, all while holding Kansas to a negative hitting percentage (-.039).

The Huskers cruised through the first set, but the second set started out much closer. Kansas cut Nebraska’s lead to 9–7, but the Huskers responded with a 4–0 run to go up 13–7. Rebekah Allick has been the hot hand, with nine kills on nine attempts, hitting a perfect 1.000.

Set 1: Nebraska 25, Kansas 12

Nebraska took a quick lead against Kansas and easily put away the first set.

The Cornhuskers looked every bit like the No. 1 overall seed. They collectively hit .357 and registered six blocks against the Jayhawks, who were held to a negative hitting percentage (-.024) in the first set. Rebekah Allick led the Huskers with six kills on six attempts, while Andi Jackson added four blocks and three kills.

Nebraska vs. Kansas volleyball underway

Nebraska volleyball arena expansion

Nebraska volleyball is so successful, it’s home court at John Cook Arena will be expanded to 10,000 seats ahead of the 2026 season.

The Nebraska Athletic Fund released renderings and details for the plan earlier this week. The addition of about 2,000 seats also means there will be a ‘comprehensive reseating of season tickets,’ according to the school fundraising site.

FINAL SCORE: Texas A&M 3, Louisville 2

Set 5: Texas A&M 3, Louisville 2

No. 3 Texas A&M completed a reverse sweep against No. 2 Louisville to advance to the regional final for the first time since 2001 after winning the fifth set, 15-12. The Aggies were able to swing the momentum of the game with their blocking ability, led by Ifenna Cos-okpalla’s 12 total blocks.

Texas A&M’s Logan Lednicky (20 kills, 10 digs on .245 hitting), Kyndal Stowers (16 kills, 11 digs on .282 hitting) and Emily Hellmuth (12 kills on .226 hitting) each recorded double-digit kills.

‘We just weren’t finishing the last end of the set,’ said an emotional Lednicky, who was three blocks away from a triple double. ‘We’re like, we’re not letting them sweep us. We know how to grind, we know how to dig it. We saw it in the TCU match and we did just that last one.’

Tensions boiled over in the fifth set. Louisville head coach Dan Meske earned a yellow card for swatting the ball because he thought the referee missed a carry call during a long rally Texas A&M won to go up 12-10.

Louisville’s Chloe Chicoine finished with a game-high 26 kills hitting .300 in the loss.

Set 4: Louisville 2, Texas A&M 2

No. 3 Texas A&M took a 17-8 lead after holding No. 2 Louisville to a -.143 hitting percentage to start the fourth set with its defensive prowess. The Aggies stretched their lead to as many as nine points, but Louisville went on a 7-1 run to come within three points of Texas A&M. The Aggies didn’t relinquish the lead this time. Texas A&M finished the fourth set on a 4-0 run to force a decisive fifth set.

Texas A&M held Louisville to .000 hitting in the fourth set. The Aggies hit .267 and recorded nine blocks. Texas A&M’s Logan Lednicky (18 kills on .333 hitting), Kyndal Stowers (14 kills on .243 hitting) and Emily Hellmuth (10 kills on .200 hitting) each have double-digit kills. Ifenna Cos-okpalla is up to 11 blocks.

The Aggies are going for the reverse sweep, the team’s first since September 2024.

Set 3: Louisville 2, Texas A&M 1

No. 3 Texas A&M head coach Jamie Morrison said his team needed to do a better job at finishing at the end of the set if they wanted to extend their season against No. 2 Louisville after giving up leads in the first two sets. The Aggies did just that in a third set that featured 15 ties and five lead changes.

The Aggies had a 23-21 lead in the third set before Louisville tied it up at 23-23 following back-to-back kills from Chloe Chicoine. Texas A&M’s Kyndal Stowers responded with a pair of kills herself to give the Aggies the set, 25-23.

Texas A&M’s Logan Lednicky (14 kills on .333 hitting), Kyndal Stowers (11 kills on .259 hitting) and Emily Hellmuth (10 kills on .261) each have double-digit kills as the team is collectively hitting .292.

Meanwhile, Chicoine is up to 19 kills on .405 hitting. Cara Crease added seven blocks.

Set 2: Louisville 2, Texas A&M 0

New set, same scenario. Much like the first set, Texas A&M was the first team to reach 15 points. The Aggies had a 21-16 lead in the second set, before Louisville staged another comeback. The Cardinals went on a 9-1 run to take the lead and clinch the second set, 25-22, to take a 2-0 lead over Texas A&M.

Louisville capitalized on 14 total blocks and three aces. Chloe Chicoine (11 kills on .400 hitting) and Payton Petersen (10 kills on .563 hitting) led the Cardinals in kills.

Logan Lednicky has nine kills, while Emily Hellmuth and Kyndal Stowers each have seven kills for Texas A&M.

Set 1: Louisville 1, Texas A&M 0

No. 3 Texas A&M had control of the first set and was the first team to 15 points, but No. 2 Louisville went on a 5-0 run to tie it up at 17-17. Five more ties ensued before Louisville ultimately created some separation to take the first set, 25-23. Louisville hit .457 and had two players with six or more kills — Payton Petersen (seven kills on .778 hitting) and Chloe Chicoine (six kills on .600 hitting).

Louisville starters

FINAL SCORE: Wisconsin 3, Stanford 1

Set 4: Wisconsin 25, Stanford 22

The Badgers had to fight for it, but they moved on after a 3-1 win over Stanford that was sealed with a team block. Wisconsin finished the day hitting .420. Mimi Colyer had a blistering 27 kills on .373 hitting and 10 digs. On the other side of the net, Stanford hit well for most of the match, but slipped to a .242 percentage in the fourth set after maintaining around .400 during the first three sets. The Cardinal had four players who finished with double-digit kills. Elia Rubin led the group with 15 kills and 13 digs.

Set 3: Wisconsin 25, Stanford 23

The third set was a back-and-forth battle. There were a whopping nine ties and four lead changes before Wisconsin finally pulled away to go up 2-1. Grace Egan sealed the third set for the Badgers with a timely kill after two set points. Mimi Colyer continues her day of domination with 19 kills on .333 hitting. Carter Booth has also been fantastic for Wisconsin with 13 kills on .813 hitting. Julia Blyashov and Jordyn Harvey both have 10 kills for Stanford.

Set 2: Stanford: 25, Wisconsin 21

Stanford was poised with better defense and serving. The Cardinal were tied with the Badgers at 13 before letting off a 12-8 run to take the set. Elia Rubin had the deciding kill after three set points. Stanford hit .484 with three players who had six or more kills, including Rubin, who had a .417 hitting percentage and seven digs. Wisconsin’s Mimi Colyer leads all players with 16 kills on 25 swings and .480 hitting.

Wisconsin vs. Stanford is a sister-against-sister showdown

Look across the court, and fans will see a pair of sisters on opposite sides of the court. Wisconsin’s Alicia Andrew and Stanford’s Lizzy Andrew are facing off against each other today in the Sweet 16.

Set 1: Wisconsin 25, Stanford 17

Wisconsin hit a blistering .514 in the first set, sealed by a Carter Booth kill. Mimi Colyer led the Badgers with nine kills on 15 swings and a .467 hitting percentage. Lizzy Andrew led the Cardinal, going a perfect three-for-three on kills.

Wisconsin vs. Stanford is underway

No. 3 Wisconsin and No. 2 Stanford are in the first set of the second match of day two of the Sweet 16.

Texas star Cari Spears had her dad in the stands against Indiana

Former NFL player and ESPN analyst Marcus Spears was in the stands today to watch his daughter, Texas freshman Cari Spears, play.

FINAL SCORE: Texas 3, Indiana 0

Set 3: Texas 25, Indiana 22

Whitney Lauenstein sent Texas to the regional final with a kill to secure the sweep against Indiana. The Longhorns finished with .374 hitting and 23 total blocks. Torrey Stafford was brilliant with 19 kills on 28 swings (with zero errors) and a .679 hitting percentage. Nya Bunton was also critical to the Longhorns’ success with seven kills on .545 hitting and five blocks. Candela Alonso-Corcelles and Jaidyn Jager had 21 combined kills for the Hoosiers.

Indiana is pushing Texas in Set 3

The Hoosiers look much more relaxed in the third set as they try to fight off elimination. They are hitting .261 in the frame and have slowed down Texas’s blocks.

Set 2: Texas 25, Indiana 22

It took four set points, but Abby Vander Wal again secured the set Texas. The Longhorns have held the Hoosiers to under .200 for the match while maintaining .365 hitting percentage. Torrey Stafford is putting on a clinic from all over the court. Stafford has zero errors on 19 swings, including 15 kills and a .789 hitting percentage. Candela Alonso-Corcelles leads Indiana with seven kills on .125 hitting and six digs.

Texas’s defense is rolling against Indiana

The Longhorns have 17 total blocks and have held Indiana to a .088 hitting percentage in the second set and .127 hitting for the match.

Set 1: Texas 25, Indiana 20

Texas took the first set after two set points, with Abby Vander Wal landing the deciding point. As a team, Texas hit .323 in the set, compared to .162 for Indiana with nine errors. The Hoosiers had several runs to close the game with the Longhorns, but Texas was too much. Torrey Stafford led all players with six kills on .750 hitting.

Texas is the first to 15 in Set 1 against Indiana

The Longhorns reached 15 points behind a huge boost from outside hitter Torrey Stafford, who had five kills and two blocks.

Indiana vs. Texas is underway

The Indiana Hoosiers and Texas Longhorns are in the first set of the first match during Day 2 of the Sweet 16.

NCAA volleyball Sweet 16 continues Friday

Two No. 1 seeds play on Friday, with Texas playing Indiana in the opener. The top overall seed, Nebraska, puts its unbeaten streak on the line against No. 4 Kansas in the nightcap after opening the tournament with back-to-back sweeps.

When is NCAA women’s volleyball Sweet 16?

• Date: Dec. 12
• Time: Four matches beginning at noon ET Friday. Match-by-match times below.

How to watch NCAA volleyball tournament

• Streaming: ESPN+ ∣ Fubo (free trial)

The 2025 NCAA women’s volleyball tournament will air across the ESPN and ABC family of networks. Games can be streamed ESPN+, ESPN’s subscription streaming service, and Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

NCAA volleyball Sweet 16 schedule: Times, TV

All times Eastern

Thursday, Dec. 11

• No. 3 Creighton 3, No. 2 Arizona State 1
• No. 1 Kentucky 3, Cal Poly 0
• No. 1 Pittsburgh 3, No. 4 Minnesota 0
• No. 3 Purdue 3, No. 2 SMU 1

Friday, Dec. 12

• No. 1 Texas 3, No. 4 Indiana 0
• No. 3 Wisconsin 3, No. 2 Stanford 1
• No. 3 Texas A&M 3, No. 2 Louisville 2
• No. 1 Nebraska vs. No. 4 Kansas, 9:30 p.m. | ESPN2

Saturday, Dec. 13

• No. 3 Creighton vs. No. 1 Kentucky, 5 p.m. | ESPN2
• No. 1 Pittsburgh vs. No. 3 Purdue, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN2

Sunday, Dec. 14

• No. 1 Nebraska vs. No. 3 Texas A&M, 3 p.m. | ABC
• No. 1 Texas vs. No. 3 Wisconsin, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN

When is the NCAA volleyball Final Four in 2025?

• Dates: Thursday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, Dec. 21

The two semifinal matches in the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA volleyball tournament will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18 and will be broadcast on ESPN. The national championship game is Sunday, Dec. 21 on ABC.

NCAA volleyball second-round results

Lexington bracket

• No. 1 Kentucky 3, No. 8 UCLA 1 (30-28, 25-16, 28-30, 25-17)
• No. 3 Creighton 3, No. 6 Northern Iowa 1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21)
• No. 2 Arizona State 3, Utah State 1 (25-15, 25-18, 22-25, 25-15)
• Cal Poly 3, No. 4 USC 2 (25-19, 25-20, 20-25, 14-25, 15-7)

Austin bracket

• No. 4 Indiana 3, No. 5 Colorado 0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-23)
• No. 3 Wisconsin 3, North Carolina 0 (25-14, 25-21, 27-25)
• No. 1 Texas 1, No. 8 Penn State 0 (25-16, 25-9, 25-19)
• No. 2 Stanford 3, Arizona 1 (25-16, 25-27, 25-17, 25-20)

Pittsburgh bracket

• No. 3 Purdue 3, No. 6 Baylor 1 (25-16, 25-19, 23-25, 25-20)
• No. 1 Pittsburgh 3, Michigan 0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-18)
• No. 2 SMU 3, Florida 0 (25-11, 25-21, 26-24)
• No. 4 Minnesota 3, No. 5 Iowa State 0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-14)

Lincoln bracket

• No. 4 Kansas 3, No. 5 Miami 1 (25-17, 25-22, 22-25, 27-25)
• No. 2 Louisville 3, Marquette 2 (21-25, 25-11, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12)
• No. 1 Nebraska 3, Kansas State 0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-16)
• No. 3 Texas A&M 3, No. 6 TCU 1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-22, 29-27)

NCAA volleyball first-round results

Lexington bracket

• No. 1 Kentucky 3, Wofford 0 (25-11, 25-19, 25-12)
• No. 8 UCLA 3, Georgia Tech 2 (24-26, 25-19, 25-23, 25-18, 15-10)
• Cal Poly 3, No. 5 BYU 2 (25-19, 17-25, 20-25, 25-20, 15-10)
• No. 4 USC 3, Princeton 0, (25-19, 25-12, 25-13)
• No. 3 Creighton 3, Northern Colorado 2 (12-25, 25-23,25-23,17-25, 8-15)
• No. 6 Northern Iowa 3, Utah 2 (15-25, 21-25, 26-24, 25-20, 15-10)
• Utah State 3, No. 7 Tennessee 2 (25-19, 25-15, 19-25, 25-18, 15-11)
• No. 2 Arizona State 3, Coppin State 0 (25-11, 25-14, 25-12)

Austin bracket

• No. 1 Texas 3, Florida A&M 0 (25-11, 25- 8, 25-14)
• No. 8 Penn State 3, South Florida 1 (25-23, 12-25, 25-21, 25-19)
• No. 5 Colorado 3, American 0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-16)
• No. 4 Indiana 3, Toledo 0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-17)
• No. 3 Wisconsin 3, Eastern Illinois 0 (25-11, 25-6, 25-19)
• North Carolina 3, No. 6 UTEP 1 (24-26, 25-11, 25-18, 25-21)
• Arizona 3, No. 7 South Dakota State 1 (25-21, 22-25, 25-15, 25-15)
• No. 2 Stanford 3, Utah Valley 1 (21-25, 25-21, 25-13, 25-14)

Pittsburgh bracket

• No. 1 Pitt 3, UMBC 0 (25-10, 25-17, 25-13)
• Michigan 3, No. 8 Xavier 0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-23)
• No. 5 Iowa State 3, St. Thomas-Minnesota 2 (21-25, 25-13, 25-16, 21-25, 15-8)
• No. 4 Minnesota 3, Fairfield 0 (25-12, 25-7, 25-13)
• No. 3 Purdue 3, Wright State 0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-19)
• No. 6 Baylor 3, Arkansas State 2 (23-25, 25-20, 30-28, 23-25, 15-10)
• Florida 3, No. 7 Rice 0 (27-25, 25-23, 25-19)
• No. 2 SMU 3, Central Arkansas 0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-13)

Lincoln bracket

• No. 1 Nebraska 3, Long Island 0 (25-11, 25-15, 25-17)
• Kansas State 3, San Diego 2 (21-25, 25-17, 26-28, 25-22, 15-12)
• No. 5 Miami 3, Tulsa 1 (25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 25-20)
• No. 4 Kansas 3, High Point 0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-18)
• No. 3 Texas A&M 3, Campbell 0 (25-20, 25-10, 25-13)
• No. 6 TCU 3, Stephen F. Austin 0 (25-8, 26-24, 25-20)
• Marquette 3, Western Kentucky 0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-16)
• No. 2 Louisville 3, Loyola (Illinois) 0 (25-17, 25-9, 25-12)

NCAA volleyball tournament champions

Penn State is the reigning NCAA volleyball champion, having defeated Louisville in four sets last year in the national title game. It was the Nittany Lions’ eighth volleyball championship since 1999.

Here’s a look at the past 10 NCAA volleyball champions:

• 2024: Penn State
• 2023: Texas
• 2022: Texas
• 2021: Wisconsin
• 2020: Kentucky
• 2019: Stanford
• 2018: Stanford
• 2017: Nebraska
• 2016: Stanford
• 2015: Nebraska

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Austin Reaves is expected to miss at least a week for the Los Angeles Lakers due to injury.

The injury comes at a bad time for the Lakers, who were finally able to field a healthy starting lineup.

Luka Dončić had missed time earlier in the season, and LeBron James had just made his season debut against the Utah Jazz on Nov. 18.

Reaves managed to step up for the Lakers during the absence of their two superstars. He scored 51 points against the Sacramento Kings and 41 against the Portland Trailblazers on back-to-back nights in October. He has continued to produce at a high level offensively, scoring 44 against the Toronto Raptors and 36 against the Boston Celtics on back-to-back nights last week.

Austin Reaves injury update

The guard was diagnosed with a mild left calf strain and is expected to be re-evaluated in approximately one week.

The Lakers will play three games next week: Sunday, Dec. 14 at the Phoenix Suns; Thursday, Dec. 18 at the Utah Jazz; Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Los Angeles Clippers. Reaves is expected to miss the first two, at least.

Reaves is the latest NBA player to suffer from a calf injury. San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has also missed time this season because of a calf strain.

Who is Austin Reaves backup? Lakers’ depth chart

Marcus Smart is a strong possibility to fill in for Reaves. Smart has averaged 10.4 points, 2.8 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game in 15 games played this season.

Austin Reaves stats

Reaves has averaged career-highs in points (27.8), assists (6.7) and rebounds (5.6) in 21 games played this season.

When do the Lakers play next?

The Lakers will travel to play the Phoenix Suns at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) on Sunday.

Nebraska volleyball is so successful, its home court at John Cook Arena will be expanded to 10,000 seats ahead of the 2026 season.

The Nebraska Athletic Fund released renderings and details for the plan earlier this week. The addition of about 2,000 seats also means there will be a ‘comprehensive reseating of season tickets,’ according to the school fundraising site.

‘To ensure Nebraska Volleyball remains a leader both on and off the court, we are taking proactive steps to strengthen our foundation. The expansion of John Cook Arena in the Bob Devaney Sports Center to over 10,000 seats will allow us to continue to grow the game and give more fans the opportunity to experience Nebraska Volleyball,’ the Nebraska Athletic Fund website reads. ‘We must embrace the evolution of intercollegiate athletics and find ways to preserve our financial model.’

Some of the upgrades listed on the website for the expanded arena include:

• New and improved seats with cupholders in each seat.
• New centralized student section to enhance the impact of crowd noise on opponents.
• New and improved seating courtside, in a new loge box and the Libero Club, which will replace VIP seats in the back row of the 100 level.
• Additional ADA seating with new vantage points and easier access from around the concourse.

Nebraska volleyball is wildly popular and entered the 2025 NCAA women’s volleyball tournament as the No. 1 overall seed. After sweeping its opponents in the first two rounds, Nebraska faced Kansas in Friday’s Sweet 16.

Sweet 16 action concluded in the 2025 NCAA volleyball tournament with four games Friday.

No. 1 seed Texas kicked off the day by sweeping Indiana. No. 1 overall seed Nebraska ended the night with a sweep of Kansas. Wisconsin took down Stanford and Texas A&M shocked Louisville with a comeback win.

No. 1 Kentucky and No. 1 Pittsburgh punched their tickets to the Elite Eight on Thursday. The Wildcats ended Cal Poly’s Cinderella story in straight sets, while Pittsburgh brought out the brooms against Minnesota.

Next up, Kentucky takes on No. 3 Creighton at 5 p.m. ET Saturday, followed by Pittsburgh vs. No. 3 Purdue. Sunday, Nebraska and No. 3 Texas A&M fight for a trip to the semifinals, along with Texas and No. 3 Wisconsin.

USA TODAY gives you everything you need to know about Friday’s matches and highlights:

SWEET 16 NCAA VOLLEYBALL RECAP: Kentucky, Pittsburgh sweep way to Elite Eight

FINAL SCORE: Nebraska 3, Kansas 0

The Huskers have now won 29 straight NCAA tournament matches at home. Andi Jackson (nine kills on .600 hitting) and Rebekah Allick (nine kills on 1.000 hitting) combined for 18 kills with no errors. Nebraska hit .450 collectively, while holding Kansas to .029 hitting.

Set 3: Nebraska 25, Kansas 12

Nebraska sweeps Kansas to advance to the Elite Eight on Sunday, where they will face Texas A&M.

Nebraska was in the driver’s seat once again and was the first team to reach 15 points in the third set, leading 15-8. The Huskers were hitting .762 at that point, compared to Kansas’ .353.

Set 2: Nebraska 25, Kansas 11

No. 1 Nebraska went on a 5-0 run to claim the second set, 25-11. The Huskers have been dominant on both sides of the ball, recording 22 kills and 17 total blocks through the first two sets, all while holding Kansas to a negative hitting percentage (-.039).

The Huskers cruised through the first set, but the second set started out much closer. Kansas cut Nebraska’s lead to 9–7, but the Huskers responded with a 4–0 run to go up 13–7. Rebekah Allick has been the hot hand, with nine kills on nine attempts, hitting a perfect 1.000.

Set 1: Nebraska 25, Kansas 12

Nebraska took a quick lead against Kansas and easily put away the first set.

The Cornhuskers looked every bit like the No. 1 overall seed. They collectively hit .357 and registered six blocks against the Jayhawks, who were held to a negative hitting percentage (-.024) in the first set. Rebekah Allick led the Huskers with six kills on six attempts, while Andi Jackson added four blocks and three kills.

Nebraska vs. Kansas volleyball underway

Nebraska volleyball arena expansion

Nebraska volleyball is so successful, it’s home court at John Cook Arena will be expanded to 10,000 seats ahead of the 2026 season.

The Nebraska Athletic Fund released renderings and details for the plan earlier this week. The addition of about 2,000 seats also means there will be a ‘comprehensive reseating of season tickets,’ according to the school fundraising site.

FINAL SCORE: Texas A&M 3, Louisville 2

Set 5: Texas A&M 3, Louisville 2

No. 3 Texas A&M completed a reverse sweep against No. 2 Louisville to advance to the regional final for the first time since 2001 after winning the fifth set, 15-12. The Aggies were able to swing the momentum of the game with their blocking ability, led by Ifenna Cos-okpalla’s 12 total blocks.

Texas A&M’s Logan Lednicky (20 kills, 10 digs on .245 hitting), Kyndal Stowers (16 kills, 11 digs on .282 hitting) and Emily Hellmuth (12 kills on .226 hitting) each recorded double-digit kills.

‘We just weren’t finishing the last end of the set,’ said an emotional Lednicky, who was three blocks away from a triple double. ‘We’re like, we’re not letting them sweep us. We know how to grind, we know how to dig it. We saw it in the TCU match and we did just that last one.’

Tensions boiled over in the fifth set. Louisville head coach Dan Meske earned a yellow card for swatting the ball because he thought the referee missed a carry call during a long rally Texas A&M won to go up 12-10.

Louisville’s Chloe Chicoine finished with a game-high 26 kills hitting .300 in the loss.

Set 4: Louisville 2, Texas A&M 2

No. 3 Texas A&M took a 17-8 lead after holding No. 2 Louisville to a -.143 hitting percentage to start the fourth set with its defensive prowess. The Aggies stretched their lead to as many as nine points, but Louisville went on a 7-1 run to come within three points of Texas A&M. The Aggies didn’t relinquish the lead this time. Texas A&M finished the fourth set on a 4-0 run to force a decisive fifth set.

Texas A&M held Louisville to .000 hitting in the fourth set. The Aggies hit .267 and recorded nine blocks. Texas A&M’s Logan Lednicky (18 kills on .333 hitting), Kyndal Stowers (14 kills on .243 hitting) and Emily Hellmuth (10 kills on .200 hitting) each have double-digit kills. Ifenna Cos-okpalla is up to 11 blocks.

The Aggies are going for the reverse sweep, the team’s first since September 2024.

Set 3: Louisville 2, Texas A&M 1

No. 3 Texas A&M head coach Jamie Morrison said his team needed to do a better job at finishing at the end of the set if they wanted to extend their season against No. 2 Louisville after giving up leads in the first two sets. The Aggies did just that in a third set that featured 15 ties and five lead changes.

The Aggies had a 23-21 lead in the third set before Louisville tied it up at 23-23 following back-to-back kills from Chloe Chicoine. Texas A&M’s Kyndal Stowers responded with a pair of kills herself to give the Aggies the set, 25-23.

Texas A&M’s Logan Lednicky (14 kills on .333 hitting), Kyndal Stowers (11 kills on .259 hitting) and Emily Hellmuth (10 kills on .261) each have double-digit kills as the team is collectively hitting .292.

Meanwhile, Chicoine is up to 19 kills on .405 hitting. Cara Crease added seven blocks.

Set 2: Louisville 2, Texas A&M 0

New set, same scenario. Much like the first set, Texas A&M was the first team to reach 15 points. The Aggies had a 21-16 lead in the second set, before Louisville staged another comeback. The Cardinals went on a 9-1 run to take the lead and clinch the second set, 25-22, to take a 2-0 lead over Texas A&M.

Louisville capitalized on 14 total blocks and three aces. Chloe Chicoine (11 kills on .400 hitting) and Payton Petersen (10 kills on .563 hitting) led the Cardinals in kills.

Logan Lednicky has nine kills, while Emily Hellmuth and Kyndal Stowers each have seven kills for Texas A&M.

Set 1: Louisville 1, Texas A&M 0

No. 3 Texas A&M had control of the first set and was the first team to 15 points, but No. 2 Louisville went on a 5-0 run to tie it up at 17-17. Five more ties ensued before Louisville ultimately created some separation to take the first set, 25-23. Louisville hit .457 and had two players with six or more kills — Payton Petersen (seven kills on .778 hitting) and Chloe Chicoine (six kills on .600 hitting).

Louisville starters

FINAL SCORE: Wisconsin 3, Stanford 1

Set 4: Wisconsin 25, Stanford 22

The Badgers had to fight for it, but they moved on after a 3-1 win over Stanford that was sealed with a team block. Wisconsin finished the day hitting .420. Mimi Colyer had a blistering 27 kills on .373 hitting and 10 digs. On the other side of the net, Stanford hit well for most of the match, but slipped to a .242 percentage in the fourth set after maintaining around .400 during the first three sets. The Cardinal had four players who finished with double-digit kills. Elia Rubin led the group with 15 kills and 13 digs.

Set 3: Wisconsin 25, Stanford 23

The third set was a back-and-forth battle. There were a whopping nine ties and four lead changes before Wisconsin finally pulled away to go up 2-1. Grace Egan sealed the third set for the Badgers with a timely kill after two set points. Mimi Colyer continues her day of domination with 19 kills on .333 hitting. Carter Booth has also been fantastic for Wisconsin with 13 kills on .813 hitting. Julia Blyashov and Jordyn Harvey both have 10 kills for Stanford.

Set 2: Stanford: 25, Wisconsin 21

Stanford was poised with better defense and serving. The Cardinal were tied with the Badgers at 13 before letting off a 12-8 run to take the set. Elia Rubin had the deciding kill after three set points. Stanford hit .484 with three players who had six or more kills, including Rubin, who had a .417 hitting percentage and seven digs. Wisconsin’s Mimi Colyer leads all players with 16 kills on 25 swings and .480 hitting.

Wisconsin vs. Stanford is a sister-against-sister showdown

Look across the court, and fans will see a pair of sisters on opposite sides of the court. Wisconsin’s Alicia Andrew and Stanford’s Lizzy Andrew are facing off against each other today in the Sweet 16.

Set 1: Wisconsin 25, Stanford 17

Wisconsin hit a blistering .514 in the first set, sealed by a Carter Booth kill. Mimi Colyer led the Badgers with nine kills on 15 swings and a .467 hitting percentage. Lizzy Andrew led the Cardinal, going a perfect three-for-three on kills.

Wisconsin vs. Stanford is underway

No. 3 Wisconsin and No. 2 Stanford are in the first set of the second match of day two of the Sweet 16.

Texas star Cari Spears had her dad in the stands against Indiana

Former NFL player and ESPN analyst Marcus Spears was in the stands today to watch his daughter, Texas freshman Cari Spears, play.

FINAL SCORE: Texas 3, Indiana 0

Set 3: Texas 25, Indiana 22

Whitney Lauenstein sent Texas to the regional final with a kill to secure the sweep against Indiana. The Longhorns finished with .374 hitting and 23 total blocks. Torrey Stafford was brilliant with 19 kills on 28 swings (with zero errors) and a .679 hitting percentage. Nya Bunton was also critical to the Longhorns’ success with seven kills on .545 hitting and five blocks. Candela Alonso-Corcelles and Jaidyn Jager had 21 combined kills for the Hoosiers.

Indiana is pushing Texas in Set 3

The Hoosiers look much more relaxed in the third set as they try to fight off elimination. They are hitting .261 in the frame and have slowed down Texas’s blocks.

Set 2: Texas 25, Indiana 22

It took four set points, but Abby Vander Wal again secured the set Texas. The Longhorns have held the Hoosiers to under .200 for the match while maintaining .365 hitting percentage. Torrey Stafford is putting on a clinic from all over the court. Stafford has zero errors on 19 swings, including 15 kills and a .789 hitting percentage. Candela Alonso-Corcelles leads Indiana with seven kills on .125 hitting and six digs.

Texas’s defense is rolling against Indiana

The Longhorns have 17 total blocks and have held Indiana to a .088 hitting percentage in the second set and .127 hitting for the match.

Set 1: Texas 25, Indiana 20

Texas took the first set after two set points, with Abby Vander Wal landing the deciding point. As a team, Texas hit .323 in the set, compared to .162 for Indiana with nine errors. The Hoosiers had several runs to close the game with the Longhorns, but Texas was too much. Torrey Stafford led all players with six kills on .750 hitting.

Texas is the first to 15 in Set 1 against Indiana

The Longhorns reached 15 points behind a huge boost from outside hitter Torrey Stafford, who had five kills and two blocks.

Indiana vs. Texas is underway

The Indiana Hoosiers and Texas Longhorns are in the first set of the first match during Day 2 of the Sweet 16.

NCAA volleyball Sweet 16 continues Friday

Two No. 1 seeds play on Friday, with Texas playing Indiana in the opener. The top overall seed, Nebraska, puts its unbeaten streak on the line against No. 4 Kansas in the nightcap after opening the tournament with back-to-back sweeps.

When is NCAA women’s volleyball Sweet 16?

• Date: Dec. 12
• Time: Four matches beginning at noon ET Friday. Match-by-match times below.

How to watch NCAA volleyball tournament

• Streaming: ESPN+ ∣ Fubo (free trial)

The 2025 NCAA women’s volleyball tournament will air across the ESPN and ABC family of networks. Games can be streamed ESPN+, ESPN’s subscription streaming service, and Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

NCAA volleyball Sweet 16 schedule: Times, TV

All times Eastern

Thursday, Dec. 11

• No. 3 Creighton 3, No. 2 Arizona State 1
• No. 1 Kentucky 3, Cal Poly 0
• No. 1 Pittsburgh 3, No. 4 Minnesota 0
• No. 3 Purdue 3, No. 2 SMU 1

Friday, Dec. 12

• No. 1 Texas 3, No. 4 Indiana 0
• No. 3 Wisconsin 3, No. 2 Stanford 1
• No. 3 Texas A&M 3, No. 2 Louisville 2
• No. 1 Nebraska vs. No. 4 Kansas, 9:30 p.m. | ESPN2

Saturday, Dec. 13

• No. 3 Creighton vs. No. 1 Kentucky, 5 p.m. | ESPN2
• No. 1 Pittsburgh vs. No. 3 Purdue, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN2

Sunday, Dec. 14

• No. 1 Nebraska vs. No. 3 Texas A&M, 3 p.m. | ABC
• No. 1 Texas vs. No. 3 Wisconsin, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN

When is the NCAA volleyball Final Four in 2025?

• Dates: Thursday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, Dec. 21

The two semifinal matches in the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA volleyball tournament will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18 and will be broadcast on ESPN. The national championship game is Sunday, Dec. 21 on ABC.

NCAA volleyball second-round results

Lexington bracket

• No. 1 Kentucky 3, No. 8 UCLA 1 (30-28, 25-16, 28-30, 25-17)
• No. 3 Creighton 3, No. 6 Northern Iowa 1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21)
• No. 2 Arizona State 3, Utah State 1 (25-15, 25-18, 22-25, 25-15)
• Cal Poly 3, No. 4 USC 2 (25-19, 25-20, 20-25, 14-25, 15-7)

Austin bracket

• No. 4 Indiana 3, No. 5 Colorado 0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-23)
• No. 3 Wisconsin 3, North Carolina 0 (25-14, 25-21, 27-25)
• No. 1 Texas 1, No. 8 Penn State 0 (25-16, 25-9, 25-19)
• No. 2 Stanford 3, Arizona 1 (25-16, 25-27, 25-17, 25-20)

Pittsburgh bracket

• No. 3 Purdue 3, No. 6 Baylor 1 (25-16, 25-19, 23-25, 25-20)
• No. 1 Pittsburgh 3, Michigan 0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-18)
• No. 2 SMU 3, Florida 0 (25-11, 25-21, 26-24)
• No. 4 Minnesota 3, No. 5 Iowa State 0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-14)

Lincoln bracket

• No. 4 Kansas 3, No. 5 Miami 1 (25-17, 25-22, 22-25, 27-25)
• No. 2 Louisville 3, Marquette 2 (21-25, 25-11, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12)
• No. 1 Nebraska 3, Kansas State 0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-16)
• No. 3 Texas A&M 3, No. 6 TCU 1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-22, 29-27)

NCAA volleyball first-round results

Lexington bracket

• No. 1 Kentucky 3, Wofford 0 (25-11, 25-19, 25-12)
• No. 8 UCLA 3, Georgia Tech 2 (24-26, 25-19, 25-23, 25-18, 15-10)
• Cal Poly 3, No. 5 BYU 2 (25-19, 17-25, 20-25, 25-20, 15-10)
• No. 4 USC 3, Princeton 0, (25-19, 25-12, 25-13)
• No. 3 Creighton 3, Northern Colorado 2 (12-25, 25-23,25-23,17-25, 8-15)
• No. 6 Northern Iowa 3, Utah 2 (15-25, 21-25, 26-24, 25-20, 15-10)
• Utah State 3, No. 7 Tennessee 2 (25-19, 25-15, 19-25, 25-18, 15-11)
• No. 2 Arizona State 3, Coppin State 0 (25-11, 25-14, 25-12)

Austin bracket

• No. 1 Texas 3, Florida A&M 0 (25-11, 25- 8, 25-14)
• No. 8 Penn State 3, South Florida 1 (25-23, 12-25, 25-21, 25-19)
• No. 5 Colorado 3, American 0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-16)
• No. 4 Indiana 3, Toledo 0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-17)
• No. 3 Wisconsin 3, Eastern Illinois 0 (25-11, 25-6, 25-19)
• North Carolina 3, No. 6 UTEP 1 (24-26, 25-11, 25-18, 25-21)
• Arizona 3, No. 7 South Dakota State 1 (25-21, 22-25, 25-15, 25-15)
• No. 2 Stanford 3, Utah Valley 1 (21-25, 25-21, 25-13, 25-14)

Pittsburgh bracket

• No. 1 Pitt 3, UMBC 0 (25-10, 25-17, 25-13)
• Michigan 3, No. 8 Xavier 0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-23)
• No. 5 Iowa State 3, St. Thomas-Minnesota 2 (21-25, 25-13, 25-16, 21-25, 15-8)
• No. 4 Minnesota 3, Fairfield 0 (25-12, 25-7, 25-13)
• No. 3 Purdue 3, Wright State 0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-19)
• No. 6 Baylor 3, Arkansas State 2 (23-25, 25-20, 30-28, 23-25, 15-10)
• Florida 3, No. 7 Rice 0 (27-25, 25-23, 25-19)
• No. 2 SMU 3, Central Arkansas 0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-13)

Lincoln bracket

• No. 1 Nebraska 3, Long Island 0 (25-11, 25-15, 25-17)
• Kansas State 3, San Diego 2 (21-25, 25-17, 26-28, 25-22, 15-12)
• No. 5 Miami 3, Tulsa 1 (25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 25-20)
• No. 4 Kansas 3, High Point 0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-18)
• No. 3 Texas A&M 3, Campbell 0 (25-20, 25-10, 25-13)
• No. 6 TCU 3, Stephen F. Austin 0 (25-8, 26-24, 25-20)
• Marquette 3, Western Kentucky 0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-16)
• No. 2 Louisville 3, Loyola (Illinois) 0 (25-17, 25-9, 25-12)

NCAA volleyball tournament champions

Penn State is the reigning NCAA volleyball champion, having defeated Louisville in four sets last year in the national title game. It was the Nittany Lions’ eighth volleyball championship since 1999.

Here’s a look at the past 10 NCAA volleyball champions:

• 2024: Penn State
• 2023: Texas
• 2022: Texas
• 2021: Wisconsin
• 2020: Kentucky
• 2019: Stanford
• 2018: Stanford
• 2017: Nebraska
• 2016: Stanford
• 2015: Nebraska

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The long-awaited moment for Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham has come.

The legendary Utes coach announced on Friday, Dec. 12 that Utah’s appearance in the Las Vegas Bowl on Wednesday, Dec. 31 against Nebraska will be his final game coaching the program after three-plus decades in Salt Lake City, which includes his time as an assistant with the program.

‘The time is right to step down from my position as the head football coach at the University of Utah,’ Whittingham said in a statement posted by the program’s official X (formerly Twitter) account. ‘It’s been an honor and a privilege to lead the program for the past 21 years and I’m very grateful for the relationships forged with all the players and assistant coaches that have worked so hard and proudly worn the drum and feather during our time here.’

Utah has had a succession plan in place at Utah since 2024, when the university announced that Utes defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley would be the coach in waiting when Whittingham decided to retire.

‘The legacy that Kyle Whittingham leaves distinguishes him as one of the most impactful figures in the history of Utah Athletics,’ Utah athletic director Mark Harlan said in a statement. ‘As the head coach or as an assistant, Coach Whitt played a pivotal role in the most historic and successful seasons in program history, and established championship expectations. Perhaps more importantly, he established a legacy of tremendous character, integrity and class. Kyle Whittingham will forever be appreciated and cherished for his leadership and achievements with Utah Football.’

Whittingham took over the Utes program in December 2004 after Urban Meyer left to take the same position at Florida. Whittingham led the Utes to a 177-88 overall record, two Rose Bowl appearances, three conference championships and an undefeated, 13-0 season in 2008 that was stamped with a 2009 Sugar Bowl win over Nick Saban and Alabama.

He is the second-longest-tenured active coach in Division I FBS, as noted by Utah’s news release, and has led the program to 17 bowl game appearances, including this year’s Las Vegas Bowl against Nebraska.

At 10-2 on the season, Utah is looking for its third season of finishing with at least 11 wins under Whittingham.

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USA TODAY’s Scooby Axson contributed to this story

Sweet 16 action continues in the 2025 NCAA volleyball tournament with a slate of four games on Friday.

No. 1 seed Texas kicked off the day by sweeping Indiana. No. 1 overall seed Nebraska will end the night against No. 4 Kansas after opening the tournament with back-to-back sweeps. The Huskers (32-0) remain undefeated and have only dropped seven sets all year, with the last coming nearly a month ago on Nov. 14 against UCLA.

Speaking of sweeps, No. 1 Kentucky and No. 1 Pittsburgh punched their tickets to the Elite Eight on Thursday. The Wildcats ended Cal Poly’s Cinderella story in straight sets, while Pittsburgh brought out the brooms against Minnesota.

USA TODAY gives you everything you need to know about Friday’s schedule, matchups, scores and highlights:

SWEET 16 NCAA VOLLEYBALL RECAP: Kentucky, Pittsburgh sweep way to Elite Eight

Set 1: Nebraska 25, Kansas 12

Nebraska took a quick lead against Kansas and easily put away the first set.

The Cornhuskers looked every bit like the No. 1 overall seed. They collectively hit .357 and registered six blocks against the Jayhawks, who were held to a negative hitting percentage (-.024) in the first set. Rebekah Allick led the Huskers with six kills on six attempts, while Andi Jackson added four blocks and three kills.

Nebraska vs. Kansas volleyball underway

Final: Texas A&M 3, Louisville 2

Set 5: Texas A&M 3, Louisville 2

No. 3 Texas A&M completed a reverse sweep against No. 2 Louisville to advance to the regional final for the first time since 2001 after winning the fifth set, 15-12. The Aggies were able to swing the momentum of the game with their blocking ability, led by Ifenna Cos-okpalla’s 12 total blocks.

Texas A&M’s Logan Lednicky (20 kills, 10 digs on .245 hitting), Kyndal Stowers (16 kills, 11 digs on .282 hitting) and Emily Hellmuth (12 kills on .226 hitting) each recorded double-digit kills.

‘We just weren’t finishing the last end of the set,’ said an emotional Lednicky, who was three blocks away from a triple double. ‘We’re like, we’re not letting them sweep us. We know how to grind, we know how to dig it. We saw it in the TCU match and we did just that last one.’

Tensions boiled over in the fifth set. Louisville head coach Dan Meske earned a yellow card for swatting the ball because he thought the referee missed a carry call during a long rally Texas A&M won to go up 12-10.

Louisville’s Chloe Chicoine finished with a game-high 26 kills hitting .300 in the loss.

Set 4: Louisville 2, Texas A&M 2

No. 3 Texas A&M took a 17-8 lead after holding No. 2 Louisville to a -.143 hitting percentage to start the fourth set with its defensive prowess. The Aggies stretched their lead to as many as nine points, but Louisville went on a 7-1 run to come within three points of Texas A&M. The Aggies didn’t relinquish the lead this time. Texas A&M finished the fourth set on a 4-0 run to force a decisive fifth set.

Texas A&M held Louisville to .000 hitting in the fourth set. The Aggies hit .267 and recorded nine blocks. Texas A&M’s Logan Lednicky (18 kills on .333 hitting), Kyndal Stowers (14 kills on .243 hitting) and Emily Hellmuth (10 kills on .200 hitting) each have double-digit kills. Ifenna Cos-okpalla is up to 11 blocks.

The Aggies are going for the reverse sweep, the team’s first since September 2024.

Set 3: Louisville 2, Texas A&M 1

No. 3 Texas A&M head coach Jamie Morrison said his team needed to do a better job at finishing at the end of the set if they wanted to extend their season against No. 2 Louisville after giving up leads in the first two sets. The Aggies did just that in a third set that featured 15 ties and five lead changes.

The Aggies had a 23-21 lead in the third set before Louisville tied it up at 23-23 following back-to-back kills from Chloe Chicoine. Texas A&M’s Kyndal Stowers responded with a pair of kills herself to give the Aggies the set, 25-23.

Texas A&M’s Logan Lednicky (14 kills on .333 hitting), Kyndal Stowers (11 kills on .259 hitting) and Emily Hellmuth (10 kills on .261) each have double-digit kills as the team is collectively hitting .292.

Meanwhile, Chicoine is up to 19 kills on .405 hitting. Cara Crease added seven blocks.

Set 2: Louisville 2, Texas A&M 0

New set, same scenario. Much like the first set, Texas A&M was the first team to reach 15 points. The Aggies had a 21-16 lead in the second set, before Louisville staged another comeback. The Cardinals went on a 9-1 run to take the lead and clinch the second set, 25-22, to take a 2-0 lead over Texas A&M.

Louisville capitalized on 14 total blocks and three aces. Chloe Chicoine (11 kills on .400 hitting) and Payton Petersen (10 kills on .563 hitting) led the Cardinals in kills.

Logan Lednicky has nine kills, while Emily Hellmuth and Kyndal Stowers each have seven kills for Texas A&M.

Set 1: Louisville 1, Texas A&M 0

No. 3 Texas A&M had control of the first set and was the first team to 15 points, but No. 2 Louisville went on a 5-0 run to tie it up at 17-17. Five more ties ensued before Louisville ultimately created some separation to take the first set, 25-23. Louisville hit .457 and had two players with six or more kills — Payton Petersen (seven kills on .778 hitting) and Chloe Chicoine (six kills on .600 hitting).

Louisville starters

Wisconsin 3, Stanford 1

Set 4: Wisconsin 25, Stanford 22

The Badgers had to fight for it, but they moved on after a 3-1 win over Stanford that was sealed with a team block. Wisconsin finished the day hitting .420. Match standout Mimi Colyer had a blistering 27 kills on .373 hitting and 10 digs. On the other side of the net, Stanford hit very well for most of the match, but slipped to a .242 percentage in Set 4 after maintaining around .400 during the first three sets. The Cardinal had four players who finished with double-digit kills. Elia Rubin led the group with 15 kills and 13 digs.

Set 3: Wisconsin 25, Stanford 23

The third set was a back-and-forth battle. There were a whopping 9 ties and 4 lead changes before Wisconsin finally pulled away to go up 2-1. Grace Egan sealed Set 3 for the Badgers with a timely kill after two set points. Mimi Colyer continues her day of domination with 19 kills on .333 hitting. Carter Booth has also been fantastic for Wisconsin with 13 kills on .813 hitting. Julia Blyashov and Jordyn Harvey both have 10 kills for Stanford.

Set 2: Stanford: 25, Wisconsin 21

Stanford was poised in Set 2 with better defense and serving. The Cardinal were tied with the Badgers at 13, all, before letting off a 12-8 run to take the set. Elia Rubin had the deciding kill after three set points. Stanford hit .484 in Set 2 with three players who had six or more kills, including Rubin, who had a .417 hitting percentage and seven digs. Wisconsin’s Mimi Colyer leads all players with 16 kills on 25 swings and .480 hitting.

Wisconsin vs. Stanford is a sister-against-sister showdown

Look across the court, and fans will see a pair of sisters on opposite sides of the court. Wisconsin’s Alicia Andrew and Stanford’s Lizzy Andrew are facing off against each other today in the Sweet 16.

Set 1: Wisconsin 25, Stanford 17

Wisconsin hit a blistering .514 in the first set, sealed by a Carter Booth kill. Mimi Colyer led the Badgers with nine kills on 15 swings and a .467 hitting percentage. Lizzy Andrew led the Cardinal, going a perfect three-for-three on kills.

Wisconsin vs. Stanford is underway

No. 3 Wisconsin and No. 2 Stanford are in the first set of the second match of day two of the Sweet 16.

Texas star Cari Spears had her dad in the stands against Indiana

Former NFL player and ESPN analyst Marcus Spears was in the stands today to watch his daughter, Texas freshman Cari Spears, play.

Final: Texas 3, Indiana 0

Set 3: Texas 25, Indiana 22

Whitney Lauenstein sent Texas to the regional final with a kill to secure the sweep against Indiana. The Longhorns finished with .374 hitting and 23 total blocks. Torrey Stafford was brilliant with 19 kills on 28 swings (with zero errors) and a .679 hitting percentage. Nya Bunton was also critical to the Longhorns’ success with seven kills on .545 hitting and five blocks. Candela Alonso-Corcelles and Jaidyn Jager had 21 combined kills for the Hoosiers.

Indiana is pushing Texas in Set 3

The Hoosiers look much more relaxed in Set 3 as they try to fight off elimination. They are hitting .261 in the frame and have slowed down Texas’s blocks.

Set 2: Texas 25, Indiana 22

It took four set points, but Abby Vander Wal again secured the set Texas. The Longhorns have held the Hoosiers to under .200 for the match while maintaining .365 hitting percentage. Torrey Stafford is putting on a clinic from all over the court. Stafford has zero errors on 19 swings, including 15 kills and a .789 hitting percentage. Candela Alonso-Corcelles leads Indiana with seven kills on .125 hitting and six digs.

Texas’s defense is rolling against Indiana

The Longhorns have 17 total blocks and have held Indiana to a .088 hitting percentage in the second set and .127 hitting for the match.

Set 1: Texas 25, Indiana 20

Texas took the first set after two set points, with Abby Vander Wal landing the deciding point. As a team, Texas hit .323 in the set, compared to .162 for Indiana with nine errors. The Hoosiers had several runs to close the game with the Longhorns, but Texas was too much. Torrey Stafford led all players with six kills on .750 hitting.

Texas is the first to 15 in Set 1 against Indiana

The Longhorns reached 15 points behind a huge boost from outside hitter Torrey Stafford, who had five kills and two blocks.

Indiana vs. Texas is underway

The Indiana Hoosiers and Texas Longhorns are in the first set of the first match during Day 2 of the Sweet 16.

NCAA volleyball Sweet 16 continues Friday

Two No. 1 seeds play on Friday, with Texas playing Indiana in the opener. The top overall seed, Nebraska, puts its unbeaten streak on the line against No. 4 Kansas in the nightcap after opening the tournament with back-to-back sweeps.

When is NCAA women’s volleyball Sweet 16?

• Date: Dec. 12
• Time: Four matches beginning at noon ET Friday. Match-by-match times below.

How to watch NCAA volleyball tournament

• Streaming: ESPN+ ∣ Fubo (free trial)

The 2025 NCAA women’s volleyball tournament will air across the ESPN and ABC family of networks. Games can be streamed ESPN+, ESPN’s subscription streaming service, and Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

NCAA volleyball Sweet 16 schedule: Times, TV

All times Eastern

Thursday, Dec. 11

• No. 3 Creighton 3, No. 2 Arizona State 1
• No. 1 Kentucky 3, Cal Poly 0
• No. 1 Pittsburgh 3, No. 4 Minnesota 0
• No. 3 Purdue 3, No. 2 SMU 1

Friday, Dec. 12

• No. 1 Texas 3, No. 4 Indiana 0
• No. 3 Wisconsin 3, No. 2 Stanford 1
• No. 3 Texas A&M 3, No. 2 Louisville 2
• No. 1 Nebraska vs. No. 4 Kansas, 9:30 p.m. | ESPN2

Saturday, Dec. 13

• No. 3 Creighton vs. No. 1 Kentucky, 5 p.m. | ESPN2
• No. 1 Pittsburgh vs. No. 3 Purdue, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN2

Sunday, Dec. 14

• No. 1 Texas vs. No. 3 Wisconsin, TBD
• No. 1 Nebraska/No. 4 Kansas vs. No. 3 Texas A&M, TBD

When is the NCAA volleyball Final Four in 2025?

• Dates: Thursday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, Dec. 21

The two semifinal matches in the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA volleyball tournament will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18 and will be broadcast on ESPN. The national championship game is Sunday, Dec. 21 on ABC.

NCAA volleyball second-round results

Lexington bracket

• No. 1 Kentucky 3, No. 8 UCLA 1 (30-28, 25-16, 28-30, 25-17)
• No. 3 Creighton 3, No. 6 Northern Iowa 1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21)
• No. 2 Arizona State 3, Utah State 1 (25-15, 25-18, 22-25, 25-15)
• Cal Poly 3, No. 4 USC 2 (25-19, 25-20, 20-25, 14-25, 15-7)

Austin bracket

• No. 4 Indiana 3, No. 5 Colorado 0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-23)
• No. 3 Wisconsin 3, North Carolina 0 (25-14, 25-21, 27-25)
• No. 1 Texas 1, No. 8 Penn State 0 (25-16, 25-9, 25-19)
• No. 2 Stanford 3, Arizona 1 (25-16, 25-27, 25-17, 25-20)

Pittsburgh bracket

• No. 3 Purdue 3, No. 6 Baylor 1 (25-16, 25-19, 23-25, 25-20)
• No. 1 Pittsburgh 3, Michigan 0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-18)
• No. 2 SMU 3, Florida 0 (25-11, 25-21, 26-24)
• No. 4 Minnesota 3, No. 5 Iowa State 0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-14)

Lincoln bracket

• No. 4 Kansas 3, No. 5 Miami 1 (25-17, 25-22, 22-25, 27-25)
• No. 2 Louisville 3, Marquette 2 (21-25, 25-11, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12)
• No. 1 Nebraska 3, Kansas State 0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-16)
• No. 3 Texas A&M 3, No. 6 TCU 1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-22, 29-27)

NCAA volleyball first-round results

Lexington bracket

• No. 1 Kentucky 3, Wofford 0 (25-11, 25-19, 25-12)
• No. 8 UCLA 3, Georgia Tech 2 (24-26, 25-19, 25-23, 25-18, 15-10)
• Cal Poly 3, No. 5 BYU 2 (25-19, 17-25, 20-25, 25-20, 15-10)
• No. 4 USC 3, Princeton 0, (25-19, 25-12, 25-13)
• No. 3 Creighton 3, Northern Colorado 2 (12-25, 25-23,25-23,17-25, 8-15)
• No. 6 Northern Iowa 3, Utah 2 (15-25, 21-25, 26-24, 25-20, 15-10)
• Utah State 3, No. 7 Tennessee 2 (25-19, 25-15, 19-25, 25-18, 15-11)
• No. 2 Arizona State 3, Coppin State 0 (25-11, 25-14, 25-12)

Austin bracket

• No. 1 Texas 3, Florida A&M 0 (25-11, 25- 8, 25-14)
• No. 8 Penn State 3, South Florida 1 (25-23, 12-25, 25-21, 25-19)
• No. 5 Colorado 3, American 0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-16)
• No. 4 Indiana 3, Toledo 0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-17)
• No. 3 Wisconsin 3, Eastern Illinois 0 (25-11, 25-6, 25-19)
• North Carolina 3, No. 6 UTEP 1 (24-26, 25-11, 25-18, 25-21)
• Arizona 3, No. 7 South Dakota State 1 (25-21, 22-25, 25-15, 25-15)
• No. 2 Stanford 3, Utah Valley 1 (21-25, 25-21, 25-13, 25-14)

Pittsburgh bracket

• No. 1 Pitt 3, UMBC 0 (25-10, 25-17, 25-13)
• Michigan 3, No. 8 Xavier 0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-23)
• No. 5 Iowa State 3, St. Thomas-Minnesota 2 (21-25, 25-13, 25-16, 21-25, 15-8)
• No. 4 Minnesota 3, Fairfield 0 (25-12, 25-7, 25-13)
• No. 3 Purdue 3, Wright State 0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-19)
• No. 6 Baylor 3, Arkansas State 2 (23-25, 25-20, 30-28, 23-25, 15-10)
• Florida 3, No. 7 Rice 0 (27-25, 25-23, 25-19)
• No. 2 SMU 3, Central Arkansas 0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-13)

Lincoln bracket

• No. 1 Nebraska 3, Long Island 0 (25-11, 25-15, 25-17)
• Kansas State 3, San Diego 2 (21-25, 25-17, 26-28, 25-22, 15-12)
• No. 5 Miami 3, Tulsa 1 (25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 25-20)
• No. 4 Kansas 3, High Point 0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-18)
• No. 3 Texas A&M 3, Campbell 0 (25-20, 25-10, 25-13)
• No. 6 TCU 3, Stephen F. Austin 0 (25-8, 26-24, 25-20)
• Marquette 3, Western Kentucky 0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-16)
• No. 2 Louisville 3, Loyola (Illinois) 0 (25-17, 25-9, 25-12)

NCAA volleyball tournament champions

Penn State is the reigning NCAA volleyball champion, having defeated Louisville in four sets last year in the national title game. It was the Nittany Lions’ eighth volleyball championship since 1999.

Here’s a look at the past 10 NCAA volleyball champions:

• 2024: Penn State
• 2023: Texas
• 2022: Texas
• 2021: Wisconsin
• 2020: Kentucky
• 2019: Stanford
• 2018: Stanford
• 2017: Nebraska
• 2016: Stanford
• 2015: Nebraska

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On the cusp of the 45th anniversary of their defeat of the Soviet Union in the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics, the United States’ ‘Miracle on Ice’ Olympic men’s hockey team was honored at the White House on Friday, Dec. 12 with Congressional Gold Medals.

It led into a brief discussion on the current state of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) in college sports when Team USA captain Mike Eruzione was asked about the topic by a reporter. Following a brief response from Eruzione, President Donald Trump joined the conversation and made a statement.

‘Something ought to be done, and I’m willing to put the federal government behind it,’ Trump said of overhauling NIL in college sports during a bill signing ceremony in the Oval Office. ‘And if it’s not done fast, you’re going to wipe out colleges.’

This is not the first time that Trump has spoken on the state of college athletics in a time where NIL and the transfer portal have taken over. He made similar remarks on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ during a phone call interview on Veterans Day.

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives recently pulled the scheduled final vote for the Republican-backed SCORE Act that would have allowed the NCAA and its recently formed College Sports Commission to create and enforce national rules that have been under legal dispute in recent years.

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AI-assisted summary
• The University of Colorado approved a $1.5 million annual salary for new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion.
• Marion’s salary is nearly double that of the previous offensive coordinator, Pat Shurmur.
• Colorado is increasing its investment in football to remain competitive, which includes a $10 million annual contract for head coach Deion Sanders.

The University of Colorado’s Board of Regents has approved a big pay raise for one of Deion Sanders’ top assistant football coaches even as the university’s athletic department projects a $27 million deficit for the current fiscal year ending in June 2026.

The contract for new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion calls for him to be paid $1.5 million per year through Jan. 31, 2028, according to the contract obtained by USA TODAY Sports. The regents unanimously approved it on Dec. 12.

Marion, 38, previously was the head coach at Sacramento State and was hired by Deion Sanders last week. Marion will make nearly double what Colorado’s previous offensive coordinator, Pat Shurmur, made this year — $850,000.

Shurmur was stripped of play-calling duties after a 53-7 loss at Utah Oct. 25. His contract expires Jan. 31, 2026 and was not renewed, unlike the contract of Colorado defensive coordinator Robert Livingston, whose pay was nearly doubled in February from $800,000 in 2024 to $1.5 million. This year, Livingston will make $1.7 million, including a $100,000 retention bonus due Sept. 1, 2026. Both Livingston and Marion will be the highest-paid assistant coaches in Colorado history.

Colorado is upping its investment under Deion Sanders

It comes at a time of financial uncertainty for the university, which projects a $27 million deficit in athletics for fiscal year 2026, which ends on June 30, 2026.

But Colorado is upping its investment in football to stay relevant in college sports and keep up with the market. By paying their coordinators $1.5 million or more, the Buffaloes are still not paying the most in the Big 12 Conference. Utah in recent years paid its coordinators $2 million or more.

Colorado gave Sanders a new $10 million annual contract in March, up from $5.7 million in 2024. The university also has committed to pay a massive new expense this year that affects major universities nationwide — $20.5 million for athletes under the House-NCAA legal settlement.

The Buffaloes finished 3-9 during Sanders’ third season in 2025. By hiring Marion, they are hoping his unconventional Go-Go offense sparks a rebound for the team and leads to more sellout crowds at Folsom Field.

After selling out all six homes games in Sanders’ first season in 2023, the Buffs sold out three of seven home games in 2025. They still averaged more than 50,000 fans per game, up from 42,847 before Sanders arrived in 2022, when the team finished 1-11.

For Marion personally, his new contract marks the latest step for a coach who went homeless for a while at DeAnza College in Cupertino, California. He also is joining the staff of his childhood idol, Deion Sanders.

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

Indiana Fever All-Star Caitlin Clark is finally feeling like herself again.

After being limited to 13 games in the 2025 WNBA season because of a series of soft tissue injuries, Clark said ‘it feels nice to finally be back to a hundred percent’ following her first Team USA senior training camp practice.

‘I put together a pretty incredible stretch of never missing a game,’ Clark said during her media availability on Friday. ‘The fact is when you’re a professional athlete, it’s going to come at some point. That’s just how it goes. I think it’s honestly taught me more than I’ve probably ever learned through the course of my career of how to take care of your body, how to get right, how to stay healthy, and then just taking time for yourself.’

Clark has to shake off some rust. She gave up a side-step, game-winning 3-pointer to Paige Bueckers, who confidently said ‘that’s game’ and white (team) wins’ during Friday’s practice scrimmage. Despite dealing with some early nerves, Clark said being on the court again was ‘pretty satisfying.’

‘It just made me smile quite a bit. I really did kind of feel like myself out there,’ she said on Friday. ‘Just continuing to get my lungs back, but I felt like I was moving really well.’

USA BASKETBALL: Paige Bueckers, ‘young and turnt’ rookies bring swag to Team USA camp

The practice was a full-circle moment for Clark, who wasn’t selected to represent Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a decision that sparked controversy. But Clark said she didn’t feel disappointed about being excluded. ‘It could’ve gone either way of me being on the team or not being on the team,’ she said in June 2024. Instead, it gave Clark ‘a little more motivation’ and something to work toward.

‘In my past, it’s been all junior (Team USA) national teams and I’ve been cut from some of those and I’ve played for three of them. I’ve experienced both sides of it,’ Clark said on Friday. ‘This is the biggest honor you can possibly have, playing basketball in our country is wearing USA across your chest. I’m just excited to be here and honored. Obviously it’s kind of like the start to the new Olympic cycle.’

Clark said she felt nervous when she first stepped on the court at practice alongside her compatriots, who feature a mix of young stars (that Bueckers dubbed the ‘young and turnt’ core) and experienced veterans. Clark last played in the WNBA on July 15 before being sidelined by a right groin injury and missing rest of the regular season and the Fever’s postseason run to the semifinals.

‘It was one injury and then it was a little better and then it kind of continued to compound and get worse and other things pop up. And then I had the ankle injury,’ Clark recalled on Friday. ‘I did everything I could to try to be able to come back and be able to play for my team, but it just didn’t really work. I think that was almost a way of relief for myself, just knowing that I gave everything I could to possibly try to play, but my body just wasn’t really letting me.’

Clark continued to rehab after the season ended, a process she said ‘took probably longer than I expected’ adding her ‘body’s in a really good spot.’

And the nerves quickly melted away when she was back in her element. ‘When I touched the basketball to start warming up before the practice even started, that’s probably when I felt pretty comfortable,’ she said.

‘I’ve worked so hard. I haven’t taken a break since the beginning of the (2025) WNBA season, just all my rehab and getting back to where I wanted to be,’ she explained. ‘This has kind of been my next thing that I’ve been working for since our season ended. … For myself, it’s not proving it to yourself again, but it’s just that feeling.’

USA women’s national team managing director Sue Bird said she’s noticed a new level of maturity from Clark following her injury-plagued season.

‘I can really only imagine, for a player like Caitlin, you come off your college season — epic. You go straight to your (rookie) WNBA season. You finish a first-teamer,’ Bird said on Thursday. ‘You have this long offseason, where you probably can’t wait to get back on the court only to have a couple of injuries sideline her.

‘That is a challenge for a player… I thought what was most impressive was just the way she’s staying engaged. You could see it whether you’re watching (the Fever) on TV or you’re catching something on social media. … I think that really shows her maturity.’

Clark has been busy in the offseason, rehabbing, attending the Team USA camp and even participating in the Annika Pro-Am golf exhibition last month. Clark said she ‘plans to play in the WNBA’ for the upcoming season as CBA negotiations continue, but noted that her golfing career may be over.

‘I put the golf clubs away now,’ she joked. ‘I’m truly focused on basketball. It makes my body a little sore, so I would rather just stick to basketball. But I love it and it’s always great to be outside.’

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